The Seniors’ Scene What is the Trafton Center all about?

Thursday

Feb 28, 2013 at 3:15 AM

By Thea MurphySanford News Guest Columnist

Did you know that the Y Trafton Center on Elm Street is a program of the Sanford-Springvale YMCA? The funds for the center were donated by Ethel Trafton Levasseur through the Sanford YMCA, which has supported our mission for more than 43 years.

I bring this up because it is a unique situation and one that I believe benefits all of us. With the support of the Y, we are able to offer wellness programs, art classes, trips, affordable events and opportunities to socialize that cannot be matched anywhere in Sanford or the surrounding communities.

I recently attended a planning meeting, and we did a brainstorming session designed to draft an impact statement for the center. Wow, what in the world does that mean? Simply, what is the Trafton about? Words started popping up — words like “lively,” “energetic,” “fun,” “nurturing” and many more. I was pleased and surprised, as this group was not made up of seniors; as a matter of fact, I was the oldest person in the room — but we won’t go there.

I came away thinking that about the impact we have on our community. The folks who come to the Trafton are ageless. When we share our time and talent with one another in an environment that supports our needs, great things happen. Our center is more than bricks and mortar; it is a community, and you are welcome to be part of it.

On a different note, we are also working on new ways to let folks know what is happening at the Trafton. Thanks to this column, I now have a way to share our great stories with you. We are also in the process of bringing our website up to speed, and if you like Facebook, check out the Sanford Y page and you will see news from Elm Street as well.

We are in the process of putting together our March calendar, and if you would like it mailed or emailed to you, give us a call at 457-0080, and we will make sure you get all the news. Better yet, stop by the center and see us in person.